Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by teamobn
If you’re going to have a greenhouse in your back garden, it may as well look good too. This DIY design does not only offer a beautiful structure in your yard but also more benefits for you and your plants.
Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Benefits
There really is nothing like homegrown vegetables year-round. And while all greenhouses do extend the growing season, a geodesic dome greenhouse is most efficient for growing produce. You get to absorb the good sun in any direction because of its external surface. Its interior shape, on the other hand, makes air temperature conducive for growing your produce well. There’s less temperature gain or loss, and potential cold spots are avoided.
1. Easy to Build
A Geodesic dome is easy to assemble when compared with conventional structures, it doesn’t demand as much energy or labour. In addition, there are various DIY kits on the market that can be customized to fit your needs, either with or without the entire system, and they are generally quick to assemble and comes with an easy manual.
2. Sturdy, Portable, and Flexible Design
Geodesic domes are stronger than most rectangular designs without the need for any inner mounting since the gravity and pressure are equally distributed across their triangle network. Windows can be installed to have proper ventilation and to achieve an adjustable geodesic dome. A Geodesic dome is easy to assemble and disassemble since its structure does not need any sealing materials, making it to be absolutely portable, which will make your space organized, easier to carry and move.
3. Environment Friendly
The need for fewer materials to construct a Geodesic dome greenhouse makes it more sustainable than conventional constructions.
The main feature of a geodesic dome is its energy efficiency. Because of the Geodesic dome structure, made up of only 30 percent less surface area when compared to the conventional rectangular building, it has the capability of energy preservation.
4. Efficient use of Energy
Energy efficiency is one of the best features of a geodesic dome, since the ceiling structure of this conservatory is 30 percent less surface area, it is able to preserve energy, rather than rectangular buildings. Furthermore, because the dome has a sphere-shaped design, sunlight is dispersed equally, which allows the dome to transmit light and heat energy more effectively to the plants, even during the winter season.
5. Budget-Friendly
The geodesic dome is built in a budget-friendly way since we can use PVC and plastic to make this eco-friendly dome.
6. Space Efficient
A geodesic dome is space-efficient since it doesn’t need poles and frames for construction. In this case, the covered area can be occupied for gardening since it does not require any supporting structures on the inside.
Building a Geodesic Dome Greenhouse
The strength-to-weight ratio of a geodesic dome greenhouse is incredible, too! It is basically a lightweight structure that can protect your plants the most because of its aerodynamic shape. And obviously, there’s no place for snow to pile up and bring down the greenhouse.
It looks good and it works really well, but is it easy to build? Well, it is definitely easier than you think! With just a few power tools we’re confident you can successfully build this geodesic dome greenhouse in your own yard. 🙂
Materials
- Untreated Lumber (Spruce, Douglas Fir, etc)
- 1 lbs Screws
- Greenhouse Plastic
- Hinges – for Door and Windows
- Automatic Window Openers
Tools
- Measuring Tape
- Square
- Pencil
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection
- Drill
- Radial Arm Saw / Dual Bevel Miter Saw
- Level
Instructions
Step 1: Planning and Design
- Calculate Dimensions: Decide the size of your geodesic dome. Use an online geodesic dome calculator to get precise measurements for your struts.
- Create a Blueprint: Sketch your dome design, indicating the placement of doors and windows.
Step 2: Cutting the Struts
- Measure and Mark: Using your measurements, mark the lumber for cutting. Ensure each piece is accurately marked with a pencil and square for precision.
- Cut Lumber: Use the radial arm saw or dual bevel miter saw to cut the lumber into struts. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection during this process.
Step 3: Assemble the Dome Framework
- Lay Out Base: Arrange the base struts on the ground in a circular shape according to your design.
- Screw Together: Secure the struts at each joint using screws and a drill, forming triangular or polygonal panels as required by your dome’s design.
- Build Up: Continue connecting struts, building upwards until the dome structure is complete. Use a level to ensure all base struts are even.
Step 4: Install Doors and Windows
- Frame Openings: Frame out the spaces for doors and windows within the dome structure.
- Attach Hinges: Install hinges on door and window frames.
- Install Automatic Openers: Fit automatic window openers to the windows for ventilation.
Step 5: Covering the Dome
- Cut Plastic: Measure and cut the greenhouse plastic to cover the entire structure. Allow extra plastic at the edges for secure fastening.
- Attach Plastic: Starting from the bottom, attach the plastic to the frame with screws, pulling it tight to avoid any sagging. Ensure the entire structure is well-covered and sealed to retain heat and moisture.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Seal Edges: Check all edges and seams to ensure they are sealed and weatherproof. Use additional screws or specialized greenhouse tape if necessary.
- Inspect: Walk around the dome and inspect for any structural issues or gaps in the plastic covering. Make adjustments as needed.
Step 7: Setup Interior
- Install Plant Shelving: Set up shelving units or planting tables inside the dome.
- Arrange Plants: Organize your plants according to their sunlight and space requirements.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. You can also view the images as a slideshow if you prefer 😎
Thanks to Northernhomestead for this great project. You can get more step-by-step instructions here…
Advanced Climate Control Technologies
Adding cutting edge temperature control systems to a geodesic dome greenhouse can greatly improve the growing conditions for many different species. Because these technologies provide exact control over temperature, humidity, and light, year-round ideal conditions are guaranteed.
With a geodesic dome greenhouse, where the special construction already encourages effective energy use and temperature control, this is especially beneficial.
Automated Ventilation Systems
Air circulation and temperature management can be much enhanced in a geodesic dome greenhouse by automated ventilation systems. Plants will get fresh air and extra heat won’t be trapped inside by installing thermostatically controlled vents that open and close according to the interior temperature. This is essential to keeping the air temperature between hot and cold balanced, therefore avoiding overheating on bright days and holding warmth during colder months.
Solar-Powered Heating Solutions
One environmentally friendly approach to keep a geodesic dome greenhouse at the proper temperature is to utilize solar-powered heaters. The greenhouse is heated during colder evenings by these heaters, which transform solar energy gathered during the day. By using the dome’s inherent shape—which is perfect for collecting solar energy—this approach lessens reliance on outside power sources.
Humidity Control Systems
In a geodesic dome greenhouse, controlling humidity levels is critical to preventing the development of fungus and mold and to efficiently promoting plant transpiration. When the air is too dry, humidity control systems may either utilize dehumidifiers to extract moisture or misters to supply moisture. Plants can flourish in the perfect moisture circumstances by having these systems automatically activate depending on sensors that measure the humidity levels at the moment.
Smart Lighting Technology
In areas with little sunshine during specific seasons, a geodesic dome greenhouse can be supplemented with smart lighting technology. Adjustable in brightness and color range, LED grow lights simulate natural sunshine and encourage photosynthesis. Whatever the outside weather, the geodesic dome greenhouse can supply steady light—which is necessary for plant growth—by employing timers or intelligent systems that adjust to the amount of daylight.
These cutting edge temperature control systems combined make a geodesic dome greenhouse more productive and efficient for growing a variety of plants, improving output and quality.
Safety Precautions During Construction
A satisfying project, creating a geodesic dome greenhouse requires giving safety first priority. The building must be built safely and securely, and safety measures must be taken.
When constructing a greenhouse with a geodesic dome, take these important safety precautions into account.
Proper Protective Gear
Dress appropriately and use safety glasses if drilling or cutting wood to shield your eyes from flying debris. Operating loud power equipment requires hearing protection. While strong shoes with slip-resistant soles guarantee stability on uneven surfaces, durable gloves can shield your hands from cuts and splinters.
Tool Safety
While creating a geodesic dome greenhouse is a fulfilling endeavor, safety must always come first. To guarantee that construction is finished without incident and that the structure stays solid and safe, safety measures must be taken. Building a geodesic dome greenhouse should take the following important safety precautions into account.
Structural Stability
When drilling or cutting wood, always use safety glasses to shield your eyes from flying debris. Using loud power equipment requires hearing protection. While robust shoes with slip-resistant bottoms guarantee stability on uneven surfaces, durable gloves can shield your hands from cuts and splinters.
Safe Material Handling
Lumber and other heavy materials should be lifted and carried correctly to avoid back injuries. Use lifting techniques that employ leg muscles and keep the back straight. When possible, use mechanical aids like dollies or ask for assistance when moving heavy items.
Working at Heights
When working on the higher parts of the geodesic dome greenhouse, use ladders or scaffolding that are stable and secure. Ensure they are on solid, even ground and are not at risk of slipping or tipping. Never overreach while on a ladder; it’s safer to move the ladder frequently than to risk a fall.
By following these safety precautions during the construction of your geodesic dome greenhouse, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure that the building process is as safe and efficient as possible. These practices not only protect you and others involved but also help guarantee the longevity and reliability of your greenhouse.
Conclusion
One important step toward effective and ecological gardening is to construct a geodesic dome greenhouse. Plant development is enhanced year-round by a sturdy structure built with the correct materials, tools, and attention to safety regulations. This idea gives your yard a useful area for growing a range of plants in addition to a visually arresting feature.
If you liked this project, you will also like viewing these DIY projects, like DIY Greenhouse, Homemade Greenhouse, and DIY Greenhouse Raised Garden Bed.
